The ECR Group supported a European Parliament resolution on Cuba that sends a clear message of solidarity with the Cuban people and condemns the communist regime’s continued violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The text, co-signed by the ECR Group, the EPP and Renew Europe, addresses the worsening humanitarian crisis on the island, the imprisonment of political opponents, the repression of independent voices and the regime’s systematic denial of democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law.

Speaking after the vote, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Adam Bielan said:

“The Cuban regime continues to imprison political opponents, silence independent voices and deny its citizens basic freedoms. Europe cannot remain indifferent while the Cuban people suffer under a dictatorship that has failed politically, economically and morally.”

For the ECR Group, the resolution reflects the reality that Cuba’s humanitarian crisis is not the result of external circumstances, but of decades of communist mismanagement, economic control and political repression.

The text also refers to the Freedom Accord, a democratic transition roadmap backed by Cuban opposition groups and civil society activists. For the ECR Group, this is an important recognition of the Cuban people’s own democratic aspirations and of the need for a future based on freedom, political pluralism and free elections.

The ECR Group reiterated its call for the suspension and eventual termination of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. The conservative group believes that Europe cannot continue to treat Cuba as a partner while the regime imprisons dissidents, crushes independent voices and refuses its citizens basic democratic freedoms.

Bielan said:

“The European Union must stand with the victims of repression, not with those who carry it out.”

“Stop legitimising the communist Cuban regime. Stand for the freedom of the Cuban people and political prisoners.”

The resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and urges the Cuban authorities to respect fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. It also highlights severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine, widespread blackouts and the repression of political dissent.

The text was adopted with 283 votes in favour, 199 against and 85 abstentions,

ECR MEP Carlo Fidanza, Vice-President of the EuroLat Parliamentary Assembly commented, saying:

“Today’s vote once again demonstrates the existence of a large majority in favour of human rights, democracy, and freedom in Cuba. The position of the left-wing side of this House remains, once again, ambiguous, and ultimately supportive of the regime. This is the story of every vote on Cuba: each time, they find a different excuse not to unequivocally condemn the terror and deprivation imposed by the Cuban communist regime.”

For the ECR Group, today’s vote confirms that Europe’s policy towards Cuba must place democracy, freedom and human dignity at its centre and stand clearly with those fighting for a free Cuba.